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Based Rollups

What Are Based Rollups, and Why Do They Matter?​

Based rollups are an approach to Layer 2 scaling where the centralized sequencer is removed entirely. Instead of a single entity controlling transaction ordering, Ethereum’s own Layer 1 block-building process handles the job. This design is closely tied to Proposer-Builder Separation (PBS), a concept in Ethereum’s roadmap that aims to keep block-building open and permissionless.

The Problem with Conventional Rollups​

Traditional rollups often rely on a centralized sequencer. Although this setup reduces latency and can lower transaction costs, it also:

  • Introduces a single point of failure.
  • Exposes users to potential censorship and transaction reordering.
  • Consolidates power in the hands of the sequencer.

How Based Rollups Address This​

By tying L2 transaction ordering directly to Ethereum’s decentralized block builders, based rollups inherit Ethereum’s own security and censorship-resistance guarantees:

  • No Central Authority: The L1 block-building process takes responsibility for ordering transactions, eliminating the centralized sequencer.
  • Censorship Resistance: If Ethereum itself is censorship-resistant, the L2 automatically gains that protection.
  • Better Alignment With Ethereum: Validators, builders, and searchers collectively maintain both L1 and L2 transaction inclusion, strengthening decentralization.

Why Surge Uses a Based Rollup Model​

Surge fully embraces this model for its rollup architecture. By integrating with Ethereum’s existing infrastructure:

  • L2 transactions enter the same permissionless block-building pipeline as L1.
  • No single entity can reorder, censor, or halt transactions.
  • Surge becomes as decentralized as Ethereum itself, preserving user trust and security.

Comparing Based and Non-Based Rollups​

  • Based Rollups: Transaction ordering is done by Ethereum’s decentralized validators and block builders, leveraging PBS to maintain fairness and trustlessness.

Based Rollups: L2 transactions enter the same permissionless block-building pipeline as L1.

  • Conventional Rollups: A centralized sequencer has the final say on transaction order before batches go to L1, introducing potential risks of manipulation or censorship.

Conventional Non-Based Rollups: A centralized sequencer decides transaction ordering before submitting them to L1.

Further Reading​

To learn more about Based Rollups, explore these helpful resources:

  • Taiko Documentation: Based Rollups
    Official documentation providing an in-depth understanding of Taiko's Based Rollups design and protocol specifications.
  • Blog Post: Understanding Based Rollups
    A clear and informative article by the Taiko team, offering valuable insights into how Based Rollups function and their benefits.